Browse Topic: Trucking fleets

Items (43)
Analysis of Video Event Recorder Data Used for Accident Reconstruction2014-01-23889/30/2014
Trucking fleets are increasingly installing video event recorders in their vehicles. The video event recorder system is usually mounted near the vehicle's rear view mirror, and consists of two cameras: one looking forward and one looking towards the driver. The system also contains accelerometers that record lateral and longitudinal g-loading, and some may record vehicle speed (in mph) based on GPS positions. The unit constantly monitors vehicle acceleration and speed, and also records video. However, the recorded data is only stored when a preset acceleration threshold is met. The primary use of the system is to assist fleets with driver training and education, but the recorded data is also being used as a tool to reconstruct accidents. By integrating the accelerometer data, the vehicle speed and distance traveled during the event can be calculated. However, the calculated speeds and distances from video event recorder data may differ from reconstructions based on data taken from engine control modules (ECM's) or classic reconstruction techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the source(s) of these differences and to determine whether or not the differences could be accounted for and corrected. Results of the study indicate that the differences can be corrected by analyzing the recorded video and matching the calculated results to known vehicle speeds, i.e., when the vehicle comes to rest. In cases where the vehicle does not come to rest during the recorded event, the differences can only be corrected if the vehicle in question can be accurately modeled.
Ball, Jeffrey K.Kittel, MarkBuss, TrevorWeiss, Greg
Application of a Tractive Energy Analysis to Quantify the Benefits of Advanced Efficiency Technologies for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks Using Characteristic Drive Cycle Data2012-01-03614/16/2012
Accurately predicting the fuel savings that can be achieved with the implementation of various technologies developed for fuel efficiency can be very challenging, particularly when considering combinations of technologies. Differences in the usage of highway vehicles can strongly influence the benefits realized with any given technology, which makes generalizations about fuel savings inappropriate for different vehicle applications. A model has been developed to estimate the potential for reducing fuel consumption when advanced efficiency technologies, or combinations of these technologies, are employed on highway vehicles, particularly medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The approach is based on a tractive energy analysis applied to drive cycles representative of the vehicle usage, and the analysis specifically accounts for individual energy loss factors that characterize the technologies of interest. This tractive energy evaluation is demonstrated by analyzing measured drive cycles from a long-haul trucking fleet and the results of an assessment of the fuel savings potential for combinations of technologies are presented. The results of this research will enable more reliable estimates of the fuel savings benefits that can be realized with particular technologies and technology combinations for individual trucking applications so that decision makers can make informed investment decisions for the implementation of advanced efficiency technologies.
LaClair, Tim J.
The Effects of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester on Diesel Engine Performance, Exhaust Emissions and Long-Term Behavior - A Summary of Three Years of Experimentation9500532/1/1995
In partnership with French authorities, official laboratories and transport companies, ONIDOL, the French Oilcrop, Association, has managed an experimental programme on the use of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester (RME) as diesel fuel. For three years, 30 % - 70 % blends of RNM and diesel fuel, 50 % - 50 % blends and pure ester have been tested on regular bus services as well as on fleets of trucks and light vehicles. At present, in about 60 French cities, some 2,000 vehicles are using 30 % RME and more. Such a large-scale program has given extremely accurate information, leading to nation-wide use. Three fleets have been following a stricter control of lubricating oil and engine deposits with reference vehicles performing the same service on diesel fuel. Chassis dynamometer tests have also enabled a more precise comparison of performance and emissions to be obtained. Fuel consumption, emissions, cold performance, long-term behavior of engine parts and lubricating oil are compared. The use of the 30 % - 70 % blend gives the same efficiency, reduces hydrocarbons, aromatics and particles without a noticeable effect on nitrogen oxide emissions. For a more than 30 % RME blend, although reduction in lubricant viscosity has been observed, effects on engine wear and cleanness were surprisingly as good as reference diesel fuel or even better. These experiments have contributed to technically validate the increasing use in blends of RME produced in accordance with French specifications.
Staat, FrédéricGateau, Paul
NOTES ON MOTOR TRUCKS2200511/1/1922
After pointing out that the publication of articles in the trade and technical journals, to the effect that very considerable weight-reductions in motor-truck construction with consequent savings in gasoline and tires are possible, works an injustice to the motor-truck industry and is misleading, the author outlines some of the reasons why such weight-reductions are very difficult to effect, as well as the possibilities of standardizing axle details. The use of aluminum to effect weight-reduction is commented upon and the various advantages claimed for metal wheels are mentioned. In the latter connection the author points out that, while these claims may be true, they are unsupported by reliable data. The greater part of the paper is devoted to an account of a series of tests conducted by a large coal company to determine the relative merits of wood and metal wheels on its trucks. Four trucks, each equipped with wood and metal wheels on diagonal corners so as to secure, as far as possible, an equalization of conditions were employed. The tests lasted over a year, and at their conclusion it was found that the average wear of the tires mounted on metal wheels was about 13 per cent greater than that of tires mounted on wood wheels. The question of unsprung weight is discussed, as is the importance of reducing chassis and body weights to a minimum, but it is pointed out that a reduction in these weights does not necessarily mean a resultant saving in the gasoline consumption or the tire expense. Lubrication of the various parts of a motor-truck chassis also receives attention, the annual cost of truck repairs due to poor lubrication of the chassis being given as from $15,000,000 to $20,000,000, in addition to which there is a loss of earnings while the trucks are being repaired of from $30,000,000 to $35,000,000. The superiority of oil over grease as a chassis lubricant is emphasized. In conclusion it is pointed out that the next few years will see bitter competition in motor-truck service and that refinement of detail and simplification of operating features will be emphasized. The need for the unexperienced buyer to secure expert advice regarding the design of the vehicles offered him is stressed, it being stated that this practice would clarify the situation for both the buyer and the seller.
MYERS, CORNELIUS T
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